In the letter, dated August, 8 Goodall states that she "believes that it would be a scientific tragedy if this research, conducted by a scientist who truly cares about his subjects, is brought to an untimely close."

She goes on to note that "her research on chimpanzees is now in it's54th year and they are still learning completely new things , just as Dr. Rogers and his team are learning new things about the bears. "

Godall ends the letter noting that "she very much hopes that the plan of closing down this research can be dropped. Science will not benefit else, nor will the bears."

Rogers recently received a temporary restraining order blocking the DNR from stripping him of his research permit.

A judge ruled that Rogers can keep the collars on ten bears in Ely, at least until the issue is decided by an administrative judge sometime next year.

Rogers received a copy of the letter from Goodall on Monday morning, and says that he was not expecting it, but is extremely grateful for the support.

"It manes a lot because I know that she went through some of the same problems that we are going through right now and she has emerged doing of the top chimpanzee research in the world," said Dr. Rogers.

The DNR says that Rogers research is making the bears too comfortable around humans, putting the public safety at risk.

Rogers says that he is waiting for a judge to be appointed for a hearing to take place between him the and the DNR.

The agreement for Rogers to continue his research will hold until his case against the DNR comes before that judge, but the hearing could take place as late as the summer of 2014.